Senior Manufacturing Engineer

MRINetwork; Lafayette (IN); On-site; USD 95,000 - 130,000; Full time

Job summary

MRINetwork seeks a Senior Manufacturing Engineer in Indiana to lead the design, planning, and startup of a brand-new facility producing large, heavy fabricated steel components.

You will plan manufacturing processes, select equipment, optimize layouts, and drive safety, throughput, and quality improvements across cross-functional teams during startup and ramp-up.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Manufacturing/Mechanical/Industrial Engineering or related field.
• 7+ years in manufacturing engineering, preferably heavy fabrication or related industries.
• Experience planning or commissioning new facilities or major expansions.
• Knowledge of fabrication processes: cutting, forming, welding, painting, finishing.
• Experience specifying/purchasing capital equipment and ERP/MRP systems.
• Strong plant layout, material flow, and logistics understanding.
• Experience designing workflows for large, heavy components.
• Knowledge of Lean, Six Sigma, value stream mapping, continuous improvement.
• Excellent project management and communication skills.
• Ability to work with vendors, contractors, and cross-functional teams.
• Experience with robotic welding and automated systems; familiarity with overhead cranes.

Responsibilities

• Develop and implement the manufacturing strategy for a new production facility.
• Design efficient workflows and optimize material flow throughout the plant.
• Plan production areas to maximize safety, productivity, quality, and throughput.
• Lead evaluation, specification, and procurement of manufacturing equipment, including CNC laser/plasma/punch, presses, welding, coating, and handling systems.
• Work with suppliers to evaluate technologies, develop specs, and oversee installation/commissioning.
• Develop processes and work instructions for fabricated steel assemblies.
• Recommend automation opportunities to improve safety, quality, and productivity.
• Analyze production capacity and develop layouts supporting future growth.
• Collaborate with engineering, operations, quality, and supply chain for startup success.
• Support equipment acceptance testing, process validation, and ramp up.
• Drive Lean continuous improvement initiatives.

Skills

Lean Manufacturing

Six Sigma

Value Stream Mapping

Project management

Communication

ERP/MRP systems

AutoCAD

SolidWorks

Robotic welding

Facility startup

Education

Bachelor's degree in Manufacturing Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Industrial Engineering, or related field

Tools

AutoCAD

SolidWorks

Job description

Senior Manufacturing Engineer – Indiana

Our growing manufacturing client, located in north-central Indiana, is seeking a Senior Manufacturing Engineer to play a key role in the design, planning, and startup of a brand-new manufacturing facility. This role will lead the planning of manufacturing processes, selection of production equipment, facility layout, and material flow for production of large, heavy fabricated steel components.

Senior Manufacturing Engineer Key Responsibilities:

• Develop and implement the manufacturing strategy for a new production facility.
• Design efficient manufacturing workflows and optimize material flow throughout the plant.
• Plan production areas to maximize safety, productivity, quality, and throughput.
• Lead the evaluation, specification, and procurement of manufacturing equipment, including:
• CNC laser, plasma, and punch press cutting systems
• CNC press brakes and panel bending equipment
• Robotic and manual welding systems
• Automated and manual powder coating systems
• Automated and manual wet paint systems
• Material handling equipment, cranes, conveyors, carts, and other production support systems
• Work closely with equipment suppliers to evaluate technologies, develop specifications, and oversee installation and commissioning.
• Develop manufacturing processes and work instructions for fabricated steel assemblies.
• Recommend automation opportunities that improve safety, quality, and productivity.
• Analyze production capacity and develop plant layouts that support future growth.
• Collaborate with engineering, operations, quality, and supply chain teams to ensure successful facility startup.
• Support equipment acceptance testing, process validation, and production ramp up.
• Drive continuous improvement initiatives using Lean Manufacturing principles.

Senior Manufacturing Engineer Requirements:

• Bachelor's degree in Manufacturing Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Industrial Engineering, or a related field.
• 7+ years of manufacturing engineering experience, preferably in heavy fabrication, structural steel, power generation, industrial equipment, or similar industries.
• Demonstrated experience planning or commissioning new manufacturing facilities or major facility expansions.
• Strong knowledge of fabrication processes including cutting, forming, welding, painting, and finishing.
• Experience specifying and purchasing capital equipment.
• Strong understanding of plant layout, material flow, and manufacturing logistics.
• Experience designing efficient workflows for large, heavy components.
• Knowledge of Lean Manufacturing, Six Sigma, Value Stream Mapping, and continuous improvement methodologies.
• Excellent project management and communication skills.
• Ability to work effectively with equipment vendors, contractors, and cross-functional engineering teams.
• Experience with robotic welding and automated manufacturing systems.
• Familiarity with overhead crane systems and heavy material handling.
• Experience with ERP/MRP systems.
• Experience using AutoCAD, SolidWorks, or other factory layout software.
• PMP certification or project management experience is a plus.

Due to the high volume of resumes received, only applicants with SPECIFIC EXPERIENCE requested by our clients will be contacted. All replies are held in strict confidence. MRI Zionsville WILL NOT share your personally identifiable information WITHOUT your permission.